#delly x thom

[periwinckles]

Because I just love to make fan casts for my fics.

[pitualba2015]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins, THG - Fandom, Hunger Games Series - All Media Types, The Hunger Games (Movies) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Delly Cartwright/Thom Characters: Delly Cartwright, Thom (Hunger Games) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Smut Summary:

I volunteer to write some sexy one shot Thelly for "Letters From New Panem" by @periwinckles. This is the first time I write something not Everlark, but enjoyed doing it. I hope you all like it.

As usual and by common knowledge, I do not own The Hunger Games Characters, they're Suzanne Collins' . I just play around with them.

@periwinckles  Thank you for trusting me on your universe.

[captainseaweedbrains]

Ship: Everlark #48

Thank you so much for sending me a prompt! I hope you enjoy! As always, drabbles don’t exist in my world. So it’s a bit longer than I anticipated. :P 

Prompt: Meeting again at a high school reunion AU

Ao3: X

Send me a ship and a prompt and I’ll write a fic/drabble!

“If you don’t go over there and talk to him, I’m going to and you know I won’t edit out any embarrassing details,” Madge warned when she saw Katniss looking over at the Welcome table yet again. 

Katniss scowled, the alcohol clearly not kicking in yet. “I don’t need your help, Madge.” 

“You’ve been sitting here for twenty minutes, Katniss,” her friend pointed out, “watching that table like a scared hawk.” 

“Can a hawk be scared?” Madge glared at her and she conceded. “All right, all right. Yes, I am acting like a scared, made-up hawk, but I can’t help it! I made a total ass of myself back in high school. I’m afraid he’ll remember.” 

“Of course he’ll remember.” 

“You’re no help. Why’d I bring you as my date again?” 

Her friend smiled a winning smile and rubbed her swollen stomach. “Because my dearest husband decided a fishing trip with his brothers was more important than coming with me to our ten year high school reunion and he bribed you with anything you wanted from his store as thanks.”

“Right, right,” she laughed. “So why are you trying to pawn your date off on some stranger, Madge Hawthorne?” 

“Please!” Madge scoffed. “Peeta Mellark is so not a stranger to you. How many times did you two hook up in high school? In the band room, under the stage in the auditorium, the Home Ec room, and correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you two do it in Abernathy’s office?” 

Popping the maraschino cherry from her drink into her mouth, Katniss smiled. “I’m not confirming, nor denying, anything of the sort. We were total saints in high school.” 

“Uh huh.” Madge sighed and readjusted herself in her seat. “If you were total saints, why not go over and talk about your sainthood with Peeta, then?” 

Because she had broken his heart? Because 18-year-old Katniss panicked and ruined a great thing? Because she knew for a fact, thanks to Facebook and small town busybodies, that Peeta had just gotten out of an engagement with some gorgeous blonde who looked like a model and showing up now felt like cutting open an old scar? Because she was scared of telling him how she really felt then? And how those feelings haven’t really gone away and seeing him there, smiling and laughing next to Delly Cartwright as they welcomed old classmates, reminded her those feelings were definitely still there?

“Because he’s busy working the Welcome table,” she said instead. “Don’t you hate when people chit chat you up while you’re trying to work a table?” 

“No, but that’s because I’m not weird about people like you are.” 

“I miss the shy, barely-spoke Madge from high school,” Katniss teased, bumping her foot against Madge’s. “What happened to her?” 

“I joined a sorority in college and had to do three years of recruitment,” was all she said, still giving Katniss a pointed look. “Go talk to him, Katniss. Rip the band aid off.” 

She looked over at the table and frowned. “What if he tells me off? I don’t think I can handle that kind of rejection.” 

“He won’t,” Madge comforted, resting a hand on Katniss’ knee. “But you won’t know until you go over and say hello. Here,” she tore off her name tag and ripped it in half, handing the two pieces over to Katniss. “Ask for a new name tag for me as your excuse to talk to him.” 

She gratefully took the stickers and stood up, glancing over at the table. Two people were in line, the first person animatedly talking to both Peeta and Delly she didn’t recognize from behind. Yes, she can do this. With one long shot of her drink, she went and stood in line, Madge giving a whoop of cheer in support. 

The wait wasn’t long. Five minutes tops before she was walking up to the table, the two pale blondes smiling up at her, reminding her of all those times in high school they’d be managing the ticket table at lunch for Student Council or the ticket booth for football and basketball games. 

“Katniss Everdeen!” Delly welcomed in her high-pitched squeaky voice that hasn’t changed a bit in ten years. “I thought I saw you around! You silly goose, how are you? What have you been up to? How has life been treating you? How is that lovely sister of yours?”

“Delly,” Katniss smiled. Even now, after all these years, it was hard not to reciprocate the woman’s warmth and energy. “Life’s been good, thanks. Can’t complain. Still living at home with my mom and sister. Prim’s fine. Going to school to be a doctor.”

“That’s amazing! And you’re a teacher now, I hear, right?” 

“Um—yes, I am.” Her eyes shifted to Peeta, who was all smiles as well, before focusing back on Delly. “I’m a high school choral director at the high school next town over.” 

“You did always have a beautiful voice,” Peeta stepped in and her legs almost turned to jello at the sound of his familiar yet somewhat deeper voice. “Inspiring students to find their voices.” Ever the wordsman, Peeta Mellark was. 

“Yes,” she blushed, unable to help herself. “Um. That’s a really nice way of saying I spend half my time telling my classes to quiet down so we can get some work done.” They laughed and that helped calm some of her anxiety. “How are you both? I haven’t seen either of you since we all left for college!” 

Delly answered first. “I’m a proud Stay-at-Home-Mom—” 

“Don’t get her started on her triplets or else we’ll be here all night,” Peeta teased, happily accepting Delly’s shove. 

“Wow,” Katniss breathed. “Triplets. That’s—that’s a lot of babies!” 

“That’s what Thom says—you remember Thom, right, Katniss? We all had gym together in eleventh grade. Well, he’s my amazing husband now and he’s always joking how we nailed it out of the park on the first try.” She held out her phone to show a picture of three chubby toddlers, two girls and a boy, smiling cheekily at the camera in nothing but their diapers. “Gretchen, Analise, and Tommy,” Delly explained, pointing to each happy baby. “They just turned three last month and boy, are they keeping me busy!” 

Katniss nodded. “They look adorable, Delly. Look just like you.” 

“Thank you. That’s what everyone says.” She put her phone away. “Anyone in your life, Katniss?” 

“Oh, um. No.” She looked down at the stickers in her hand, realizing she didn’t need it now with Delly talking a mile a minute. “Work keeps me pretty busy and most guys don’t understand why I prioritize a bunch of high schoolers over—well, everything.” She laughed, feeling a bit awkward now talking about her non-existent love life. 

Delly looked over at Peeta, a knowing look in her eyes. “Peeta knows exactly how that is.” 

“Delly,” he said, rolling his eyes at her. “I’m a high school art teacher,” he explained to Katniss. “And I run the school’s debate and speech teams for some extra money. So I get prioritizing your students over everything else.” 

Oh. She didn’t know he was a teacher, too. Well that made a lot of sense why it was a pain hunting him down on Facebook. How had she not put two and two together? “Elective teachers unite,” she joked half-heartedly, feeling nervous again now that the attention was on him. 

“May our program budgets always just barely make the cut,” he joined in, all smiles. She smiled back, unable to help herself. His smiles, familiar despite time away, always made her feel more at ease. 

“You know, ever since I had the triplets, my bladder has never been the same,” Delly abruptly said standing up. “I have to visit the potty. The bathroom,” she corrected herself. “We’re working on potty training right now. Peeta, guard the table while I’m away?” 

“Oh. Uh, sure thing, Dells.” 

“You keep a close eye on him, Katniss. Make sure he doesn’t cause any mischief,” Delly warned with a wag of her finger before walking away, waving to those she knew as she went, which seemed to be everyone.

Katniss stood there for a moment, forlornly watching their buffer leave. She barely knew Delly, but now as the curly-haired blonde left, she felt a bit of a betrayal of being left alone with Peeta. 

“You don’t have to watch over me,” Peeta said, her attention snapping back to him. “Delly was just teasing.” 

“Oh no, it’s okay.” It wasn’t, not really, but admitting that would make things ten times more awkward. “Madge is my supposed date tonight, but she’s been spending more time in the bathroom than with me. So it’s fine. Um.” Just get it over with! “How are you, Peeta?” 

“I’m fine, Katniss. Thank you for asking.” 

“Of course, of course.” Wishing she’d consumed more alcohol before pursuing this quest, she went forth, “I heard you moved back into town. With your brother?” 

He shook his head. “I forgot how small this town is. Yeah. I moved back. Go on and ask.” He motioned at her, rolling his eyes. “About my engagement. Everyone’s been asking about it.” 

Katniss winced. “I didn’t want to pry, but yeah, I heard.” 

“As did many others.” He sighed and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “I’m fine, really. I broke it off with her, actually. Wasn’t a right fit,” he explained. “I didn’t think it fair to either of us to continue further, but it still hurts a little.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Peeta.” But was she really, though? Was she seriously happy about a guy she hadn’t spoken to in over ten years being single again? God, she was a horrible person. “But it sounds like you did the mature thing. Breaking it off like that.” 

He shrugged. “That’s what everybody tells me.” 

Someone came up behind her and she stepped aside as Peeta snapped into greetings mode. It was amazing watching him change so swiftly like that. Some people truly never changed, she realized, remembering how quickly he seemed to change moods at the flip of a switch. He did it the day she broke things off with him. How his eyes cascaded down in disappointment and she’d wondered if he might cry after confessing how he felt about her for all this time, but then someone had walked in, calling out to them, and he became all smiles and acted like nothing drastic had happened between them.

It was a bit unsettling, the more she thought about it now. 

The line of late comers started growing and Delly still hadn’t returned. Deciding to keep her promise, Katniss took a seat next to Peeta and smiled as another former classmate stepped up, ignoring the quizzical look he sent her as they were asked questions about times for the planned events and how they both were doing. Many assumed they were married now, remembering how close the two were in high school, and thank god for Peeta stepping in and saving her stumbling tongue, explaining how Katniss was just keeping Delly’s seat warm until she returned and that they hadn’t seen each other until tonight. 

After the third or fourth classmate assumed their matrimonial union, Katniss laughed, picking at the ripped sticker she’d stuck to her skirt for safe keeping. “I didn’t realize so many people remembered us together.” 

“Small town school,” he reminded her, his tone light and joking. Like she didn’t stupidly break his heart. “I’m not surprised they remembered you. You forget how much of an effect you have on people, Katniss.” 

Her cheeks warmed. “I think you mean yourself there, Mr. Popular. I was that awkward band and choir girl with the braces who never shut up about why the Baroque style was far superior to Classical.” 

“I remember those rants fondly,” Peeta laughed. “Your face would get all pinched because I barely knew what you were talking about, so I couldn’t offer any opinion. And I loved those braces! The silver brackets really brought out the silver in your eyes.” 

She rolled her eyes, remembering that line he used to pull every time she complained about her teeth. “Well I’m happy to say those days are gone. I’ve been metal-free since college.” 

“Took that long, huh?” 

“I’m pretty sure my orthodontist was just milking it for my money those last three years,” she laughed. “My teeth looked pretty straight to me.” Katniss smiled widely, showing off her white, straight teeth she suffered many mouth cuts and rubber band snaps to achieve. He joined her and wow. It really did feel like no time had passed between them. Like they were just a couple of teens back in high school, making fun of a teacher or a douchey classmate. 

Peeta looked down at the table, tapping his pen in thought. “You know,” he said after a moment, still looking down, “I am free from this table at 7.”

“That makes sense,” she nodded. “If people haven’t arrived in the first hour and a half, that’s their loss.”

“It is,” he smiled, glancing up at her. Yes, his eyes were still as clear blue as she remembered, and was it possible for eyelashes to grow? His looked longer now. “If you’d be fine with it, Katniss, I’d like to catch up with you some more.” Was it her imagination or did he seem nervous? That made no sense. She broke his heart. If anyone should be nervous, it was her. And she was. The constant flutter in her stomach more noticeable now with her sitting so close to him. 

“Oh. Um.” It was her turn to look down at her hands. “Okay. Sure. Yeah, that’d be great.” 

Peeta seemed uncertain, though. “Are you sure? Was I too forward just now? Sorry, ever since my break-up, I seem to be a bit rusty talking with people.” That was hard to believe. 

“No, no!” Katniss rushed to assure him. “I just—didn’t think you’d really want to catch up after how we ended things.” There. She mentioned it. Old heartbreak was out there now. “I know I messed things up pretty badly.” 

To her surprise, Peeta laughed, shaking his head. “Trust me, that is water under the bridge, Katniss. I was stupid and should have picked up on the vibes you were sending me.” 

“And I was stupid, too,” she said, a bit shyly. 

“High schoolers can be pretty stupid.” 

“I don’t know,” she smiled. “Mine seem a lot smarter than when we were that age.” 

“Mine too.” He pretended to think. “Perhaps we were just idiots and it has nothing to do with how young we were.” 

She laughed. “Maybe.” 

He tapped her pen with his. “To being idiots?” 

“To being idiots.” She tapped his pen back. 

And at 7 o’clock sharp, Peeta declared it was time they drank until they got so drunk, it was like they were back at Finnick Odair’s Friday night after-game parties. Katniss happily agreed, sternly reminding him she wasn’t going to make out with him tonight like they used to do in the toolshed during those parties, causing him to burst out laughing. Quickly scrawling out Madge’s name on a new sticker, she told Peeta she’d meet him at the bar. 

“I have to give my date her sticker.” He told her the booze waited for no one and headed to where a group of their classmates were chanting for someone to “Chug! Chug! Chug!” She smiled and went back to Madge, who was chatting with Leevy Anderson, an old friend of hers. 

“Well,” Madge asked after Leevy excused herself. “You were gone an awful long time. Did you get my sticker?” Katniss handed it to her with a smile. “I take it things went well? Or were you just sputtering out nonsense.” 

“It went very well,” Katniss told her, glancing over at the bar where Peeta stood, holding two drinks out, one clearly being hers. “We’re going to get crazy drunk now because this night has been extremely long for both of us. I hope you’re fine driving me?” 

“One of us needs to get crazy drunk tonight,” Madge laughed, patting her stomach. “Drink for me, too?” 

“Of course.” 

“Going to make out with Peeta Mellark like old times?” her friend teased, noticing Peeta now. “I’m sure there’s a closet you two can sneak into.” 

Katniss scoffed at her friend’s blatant assumption. “No, we’re not making out tonight, Madge.” Madge nodded, taking a sip of her pop. “We might next Friday, though,” she added a bit coyly. “He’s taking me out to dinner.” And she walked away before her friend could say anything further.

[foreversillythings]

Sign Me Up

Star Wars!Gadge

"Guess who's got a date," Thom grins at them, rocking back and forth on his heels. Leevy snorts from beneath Thom's X-Wing and he glares, kicking her lightly in the ankle.

"Lemme see," Gale ponders with a roll of his eyes, "is it you?"

Thom beams even as Leevy snorts again.

"Yep, with Delly," he explains, voice smiling and Leevy slides out from under the starfighter.

"Has she met you?" she asks with a raised eyebrow and Thom makes a face.

"Very funny. You done yet?"

Leevy scowls at him as she rubs greasy hands on her pants.

"No, I'm not."

"How come? You've been at it for ages!" Thom whines and Gale leans back against his own X-Wing with crossed arms.

"Well, that's what happens when the pilot insists on crashing into everything he passes," Leevy grumbles, waving her hydrospanner at him irritably.

"I do not!" Thom protests and Leevy opens her mouth to retort. Gale feels a headache coming on and decides to interrupt.

"So, Delly? That was the girl we met at the bar, right?"

Thom gives Leevy one last beady eyed glare before turning to Gale, his whole face changing, the thought of Delly lighting him up like the sun.

"Yeah, she was great, huh?"

Gale shrugs, doesn't honestly remember much about Delly. He was a little busy with her friend...

"I wouldn‘t know, I was repairing a faulty hydraulic system" Leevy sighs, returning to Thom‘s X-Wing

"Well, she was, she really was," Thom assures her brightly. "And she's working in communications, right here on Liberty. What're the odds, right?"

"Yeah, definitely," Gale agrees and Thom suddenly favours him with a smirk.

"And wouldn't you know, her friend Madge is stationed here too."

Gale narrows his eyes and Leevy takes note of Thom's tone, pops up beside him.

"Who's Madge?" she asks and Thom smirks a little wider.

"Just some pretty blonde Gale spent all night chatting up."

Leevy's eyebrows go up and Gale glares at Thom, wonders if he can make him set fire with his eyes. If only he had the Force...wait, can the Force do that?

Gale has been trying not to think about Madge, trying and failing. He fell asleep with her face against his eyelids, the scent of her fruity shampoo lingering in his nose. He dreamt of losing horribly at sabacc, her smirk and firebright blue eyes. Of dancing too close, her body warm in his arms. Her laughter, the teasing tone lacing through all her words. The taste of her, the fever he’d felt as she kissed him before they’d said goodbye, turbolasers firing in his brain.

And then morning came.

As wonderful as that night had been, it could be never be anything more. First and foremost, he didn’t even know her last name, didn’t know how long she’d be on base, didn’t know where she’d be shipped out to. But really, the honest reason, was that he couldn‘t afford it, the distraction. He had to stay focused on the war, on fighting it, winning it, living through it. He had to see the Empire fall, had to get home to his family.

And Madge, Madge would steal his focus, swallow up a part of him. After just one night, she’d danced through his thoughts all day, how much worse would it be if they were involved? And he’d worry, worry about her when she was working, worry about never seeing her again when he was. It was better he didn’t know her last name, where she’d be sent.

It was better this way.

Except apparently the universe didn’t agree.

"Pretty blonde...like the one talking to Bristel?" Leevy asks and Gale snaps out of his reverie, whipping around. He finds her immediately. Madge, chatting with Bristel and Darius. She's writing something down on a datapad and Gale feels his stomach do funny things.

damn it man, get a hold of yourself

"Speak of the Sith," Thom whispers eagerly as he peeks over Gale's shoulder. "That's her alright."

"Wow," Leevy says appreciatively. "She looks nice."

Gale nods in agreement and then stops himself. Woah, remember what we decided? We‘re better off without her. Right?

"She's coming over here!" Thom cheers and Gale stiffens, realizes he's right. Madge is still writing on her datapad, but definitely headed straight for them. Gale has a split second where he ponders doing nothing, acting like Madge is just another crewmember. He turns hurriedly to Leevy instead and tries his best to smooth down his hair.

"How bad am I?" he asks and Thom snickers.

why are you freaking out? he chastises himself, you’ve already made out with her, talking shouldn’t be that big a deal.

"You look fine, a little sweaty maybe, but fine," Leevy assures him with a roll of her eyes and pats him on the shoulder. Gale tries his best to ignore Thom and hopes he doesn't smell as bad as he thinks he does. Madge reaches their little group and Leevy shoves him forward, Thom practically giggling.

"Hello, I'm Lieutenant Undersee," Madge starts and then stops when she recognizes him and Thom, her eyes going wide.

"Oh, Gale, hi," she breathes, looks a little shy and Gale smiles, feels kinda warm.

"Hey, fancy, uh, seeing you here," he tries and then frowns, because what the hell was that? Thom's snickering reaches a new level and Leevy pinches him.

"Um, well, the uh, the General asked me to schedule personnel evals before we ship out, so when exactly would you be free?" Madge asks, cheeks pink and Gale doesn't say anything until Leevy elbows him.

"Right! I'm free the next two nights after 1800 hours," he tells her and turns to glare at Thom, wishes he could kick him in the shin. Madge nods and punches it into her datapad.

"So...how about tomorrow at 1900 hours for your eval and then, the next day, same time, for dinner?"

Gale jerks his head around to look at her, even Thom stunned into silence.

say no, say no. you can‘t afford this Gale, you know it.

Madge is smiling nervously, eyes not quite meeting his and Gale grins.

maybe I can

"I'll be there."

Madge's smile loses its nerves, her eyes bright as she meets his. "Great, I'll see you then."

Her smile drops when she notices Thom and Leevy's wide eyed looks, her skin flushing red. She clears her throat and offers her most professional smile.

"And the two of you?"

"For dinner?" Thom asks and Madge darkens in embarrassment.

"No, you idiot," Leevy mutters, jabbing him in the side.

"Just, just for your evals," Madge clarifies and Gale can't quite believe what just happened. Madge thanks them and scuttles off, heading for the doors and Thom lets out a low whistle.

"Well, damn."

Leevy shakes her head.

"You must've made one hell of an impression at that bar," she says and Gale doesn't answer, still a little in awe that he's going on a date with Madge in two days. He can see her as she reaches the door, turns back and shoots him a smile with a little wave and Gale grins, stomach swooping.

Maybe this is a mistake, maybe he‘ll regret it later.

(he won’t)

But one thing‘s for sure, he's definitely not the only one who made an impression that night.

[italianaradio]

Festa di Roma 2019: Motherless Brooklyn di Edward Norton aprirà la 14° edizione

Nuovo post su italianaradio https://www.italianaradio.it/index.php/festa-di-roma-2019-motherless-brooklyn-di-edward-norton-aprira-la-14-edizione/

Festa di Roma 2019: Motherless Brooklyn di Edward Norton aprirà la 14° edizione

Festa di Roma 2019: Motherless Brooklyn di Edward Norton aprirà la 14° edizione

Festa di Roma 2019: Motherless Brooklyn di Edward Norton aprirà la 14° edizione

Il nuovo film drammatico acclamato dalla critica di Edward Norton, Motherless Brooklyn – I segreti di una città, sarà il film di apertura della quattordicesima edizione della Festa del Cinema di Roma che si svolgerà dal 17 al 27 ottobre 2019 all’Auditorium Parco della Musica. L’ha annunciato oggi il direttore artistico Antonio Monda con Laura Delli Colli, presidente della Fondazione Cinema per Roma, d’intesa con il direttore generale Francesca Via.

“Motherless Brooklyn – I segreti di una città è un magnifico noir, nella tradizione del miglior cinema classico americano, che rende magnificamente il bellissimo romanzo di Jonathan Lethem – ha detto Antonio Monda – Edward Norton dirige con mano sicura e sguardo lucido una storia eterna di ambizione, corruzione e razzismo. È un grande onore aprire la Festa del Cinema con un film di tale qualità”.

A seguire, il 18 ottobre, Norton sarà al centro del tradizionale Incontro Ravvicinato con il pubblico, una conversazione sul palco con Antonio Monda, in cui parleranno di Motherless Brooklyn- I segreti di una città e approfondiranno gli eventi più importanti della sua carriera cinematografica, con le clip di alcuni dei suoi memorabili film.

“Il cinema italiano ha avuto un impatto enorme sui miei gusti e le mie aspirazioni da cineasta – ha affermato Norton – e quindi aprire la Festa del Cinema di Roma con il mio film è la realizzazione di un desiderio. È davvero un grande onore e ne sono estremamente felice. E credo che, sebbene si tratti di un’epopea americana e di un noir ambientato a New York, il pubblico italiano sentirà immediatamente la risonanza dei temi nell’ambito del loro vissuto più recente”.

Il tre volte candidato all’Oscar Edward Norton (Birdman, American History X, Schegge di paura) ha diretto, scritto, prodotto e interpretato Motherless Brooklyn – I segreti di una città. Norton interpreta Lionel Essrog, un solitario detective privato affetto dalla sindrome di Tourette, che si avventura a risolvere l’omicidio del suo mentore ed unico amico, Frank Minna. Armato solo di pochi indizi e della sua mentalità ossessiva, Lionel svela lentamente dei segreti gelosamente custoditi che tengono in equilibrio il destino dell’intera New York. In un mistero che lo porta dai jazz club grondanti di gin di Harlem ai bassifondi di Brooklyn e, infine, ai salotti dorati dei potenti mediatori di New York, Lionel si scontra con i criminali, la corruzione e l’uomo più pericoloso della città per onorare il suo amico e salvare la donna che potrebbe essere la sua stessa salvezza.

Recita nel film un cast stellare che comprende anche Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Bobby Cannavale, Cherry Jones, Michael Kenneth Williams, Leslie Mann, Ethan Suplee, Dallas Roberts, Josh Pais, Robert Ray Wisdom, Fisher Stevens, al fianco di Alec Baldwin e Willem Dafoe.

Il film sarà distribuito in tutto il mondo dalla Warner Bros. Pictures e uscirà nelle sale italiane il 7 novembre 2019.

Norton ha prodotto il film assieme al suo socio di produzione della Class 5 Films, Bill Migliore; Gigi Pritzker e Rachel Shane degli MWM Studios; e Michael Bederman. Adrian Alperovich, Sue Kroll, Daniel Nadler, Robert F. Smith e Brian Niranjan Sheth sono i produttori esecutivi. Dietro le quinte, Norton ha collaborato con il direttore della fotografia Dick Pope, la scenografa Beth Mickle, il montatore Joe Klotz e la costumista Amy Roth. La musica gioca un ruolo importante nell’impostazione del tono e dell’ambientazione temporale di Motherless Brooklyn – I segreti di una città. La colonna sonora è composta da Daniel Pemberton, con Wynton Marsalis alla tromba. Il film presenta anche una canzone originale scritta e cantata da Thom Yorke.

Warner Bros. Pictures presenta una produzione Class 5 Films / MWM Studios, “Motherless Brooklyn – I segreti di una città“.

Cinefilos.it – Da chi il cinema lo ama.

Festa di Roma 2019: Motherless Brooklyn di Edward Norton aprirà la 14° edizione

Il nuovo film drammatico acclamato dalla critica di Edward Norton, Motherless Brooklyn – I segreti di una città, sarà il film di apertura della quattordicesima edizione della Festa del Cinema di Roma che si svolgerà dal 17 al 27 ottobre 2019 all’Auditorium Parco della Musica. L’ha annunciato oggi il direttore artistico Antonio Monda con Laura […]

Cinefilos.it – Da chi il cinema lo ama.

Chiara Guida

[damndonnergirls]

THOM x DELLY “Requiem” From the May the Gods Be Ever In Your Favor collection (stories from the world of Enthralled and A Thousand Years)

Artist: Tristania Album: Darkest White Track: “Requiem”

"When will I see you again?" he asks, his fingers entwined in her golden hair.

She brushes her lips against his skin. "Are you so impatient, my love, that you ask me this every night?"

"I will wait, whether it is ten years, one hundred, one thousand," he vows. "But if it were possible to have certainty, I wish that you would give it to me."

"In a thousand years, you may not recognize me."

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind," he tells her. "Even if I am blind, I will see the contents of your heart, and that will make you known to me."

She smiles. "If that is true, then you have just given yourself the certainty you seek."

Read more >>

[periwinckles]

The train back to twelve - Chapter 12

WEEK 6 - THOM

Thursday brings the train again and a new wave of enthusiasm for the residents. Five portable solar powered showers. We end up having to recruit several men from Jack and Cyrus' team, but we manage to get them near camp before lunch. I assign Leevy with the task to schedule everyone's shower slot, and for the first time in more than a month we have the luxury of a daily shower for everyone.

The train also carries something more daunting. Five guns. We have a quick council meeting and the three of us agree we won't decide what to do with them by ourselves. We summon up a district meeting after lunch to handle the matter, extending an invitation to the Victor's village residents as well. Only Peeta and Haymitch show up to join us.

"Let's have a recap shall we?" I try to keep my voice loud and clear and ignore the fact that Peeta chose to sit next to Delly.

"Only those over eighteen are allowed to vote. There's five guns. One of them will be carried by whoever is on duty for patrol. You can write four names down to cast your vote on whoever gets to carry the other four."

The tension in the air is suffocating. Most of us thought we were coming back to a peaceful life, and we would probably prefer to ship these guns back to the Capitol. But we can't take any more risks. Not when we already lost so much.

Jack and I gather the most votes. We had a suspicion it would swing this way. Still we wanted to make the process transparent and not leave any room for anyone to accuse us of anything.

Peeta is the third name to be chosen.

"I'm not carrying a gun, no way."

"One of the guns should be in Victor's village." I say, trying to reason with him. "If someone attacks the district you' ll be too far for us to defend you. If not you, then Haymitch."

"Hell, no." Haymitch fights back, and a murmur starts to arise among the residents. Everyone agrees that one of the guns should be in Victor's village, but neither Peeta nor Haymitch are budging.

"We 'll come back to this later. Cyrus, you get the fourth one."

"Yeah, that's not happening either." He answers back and Jack huffs in frustration. What does it say about district twelve that all its residents seem bent on refusing to carry a gun?

"Cyrus, you gotta be kidding me." Jack counters back, throwing his hands on the air, in exasperation.

"I am done with people looking at me and seeing the Capitol. I'm not carrying a gun."

He leans against one of the supplies' shelter posts, his arms crossed, as if the matter is settled and unchanging.

"If we saw you as the Capitol we wouldn't have voted for you for the council." Ray answers back, and he looks up. "We know you're the one that cut down the power from the fence, that night. We might not even be standing here if it weren't for you."

I look at Cyrus with disbelief. I did not know that. The night of the bombing was so chaotic it's a miracle we managed to save as many people as we did. By the time I got to the fence it was already unelectrified and down. I never wondered about it until now. I always assumed Gale managed to turn it off, somehow.

"If you refuse to carry this gun that is the most selfish thing you'll ever do, Cyrus." I tell him and all eyes turn to me. "Same to you Haymitch. I would also prefer not to carry one, but I will, because this district and it's people are my life. You're our most trained shooter, Cyrus. You think you're doing a service to us by refusing to make use of your skills to protect us? And you, Haymitch? What kind of mentor are you? One that logs off work whenever it pleases him or are you going to step up and keep your kids safe?"

Haymitch has a hard look on his face and I think he might actually punch me. But after a few heartbeats of silence, he takes a few steps in my direction and takes the gun from my hands. Cyrus ends up doing the same.

"Meeting adjourned. Go back to your business." Jack orders.

Everyone starts to wander off, but there's something I have to do first.

"Delly, wait up."

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[periwinckles]

THE TRAIN BACK TO TWELVE - CHAPTER 23

WEEK 13 - THOM

When lunch is over, we gather everyone around the firepit, much more cramped than we usually are. It takes a long time for everyone to settle down and be quiet, so I take the chance to watch Delly from afar. She's sitting next to Saul and Leevy, chatting lively as usual. Her laughter lights up her whole face and I’m only sorry I can’t hear it right now. Somehow she senses me watching her and she faces me with a playful look. We hold each other's gaze for a few minutes, and I don’t even bother to try to hide it. My mind wanders between the ten minutes we had to ourselves this morning and the possibilities of tonight, when we’ll get the tent to ourselves for the first time. She bites her lower lip and I’m almost certain she’s thinking the same thing.

Cyrus’ clears his throat next to me and I’m startled, earning me a hearty laugh from him. 

“Is that everyone?” he asks.

“I believe so.”

One hundred and thirty one. 

It feels surreal to have this many people facing us, but here we are. 

Jack, Cyrus and I stand in front of everyone and Jack addresses the crowd.

“May I have your attention please? Hello everyone, my name is Jack Norbert. You may remember me as the former blacksmith of this district. I would like to welcome every single one of you. I believe I speak for everyone when I say we are glad to have you back.”

There are loud cheers and raucous clapping. After all we’ve been through, it’s a relief to have new residents to easen out the load for everyone.

“This is Thom Campbell, former miner, and Cyrus Johnson, former peacekeeper.” Jack continues. “ For the time being, we are the ones in charge of this district. We have a monthly district meeting to discuss matters that we feel should be decided by the entirety of the residents and not only by ourselves, but everything else goes through the district council.

I’m in charge of the cleaning crew. We’re the cleaners and we handle rubble and building clearing as well as burials.”

There’s a distinct uneasiness in the crowd once he mentions dead bodies, but Jack is quick to dismiss it.

“Don’t worry, there’s not much of that left to do.”

The crowd visibly relaxes and Jack goes on with his exposition.

“Cyrus Johnson is in charge of the campsite, we call them the campers . Everything regarding the camp, tents and temporary constructions such as the latrines and the portable showers, goes through him. He also handles security measures and guard duty. 

Zac Steiner over there…��

Zac is in the far right of the crowd and he lifts his hand in the air so everyone can spot him.

“... is in charge of supplies. The suppliers handle the train’s shipments, as well as food, clothes and tools. He reports to Thom.”

Jack places a hand on my right shoulder as he goes on.

“Thom Campbell is in charge of the builders . He is also the one handling government contacts at this point, and placing orders for the train shipments.

A couple of weeks ago we also started with a vegetable garden, and we’re hoping to have our first crops in a short time. Delly Cartwright…”

Delly raises her hand, but she’s hard to miss, her golden hair a light beacon amidst everyone else.

“... is in charge of the gardening crew. She reports to Thom as well. Do you have any questions regarding our logistics?”

Several hands go up, and Jack takes the questions, one by one. After a few minutes it becomes clear most questions are to inquire about the construction work.

“We’re only talking about logistics and coordination at this point. Don’t worry, Thom will soon tell you all about the new houses.”

Half the hands drop, but we get a few pertinent questions, about the showers timetable or supply orders. 

“We have a weekly budget from the Capitol.” I explain to them. “Every week I can only order what’s within our budget. It’s lenient enough that I can work in a few personal items every time. But the budget is for the entire community, so I need to be careful about my choices. If there is any particular item that you need, come see me, and we’ll try to work it out, if not this week, then maybe one of the coming weeks. Any more questions?”

Leonard’s hand goes up, and Jack nods for him to speak.

“So, we have a peacekeeper in charge?”

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[periwinckles]

THE TRAIN BACK TO TWELVE - CHAPTER 25

(Delly)

"I brought you food. In case you're hungry."

I suspected it must be around dinner time when I started to hear all the voices around me, but I made no move to leave my cocoon. I'm not really hungry, anyway. I don’t answer him, but I still move enough so I can look at him. He hasn’t showered yet, his hair unruly and floppy after a day’s work. He sits down, cross legged, close enough that we could touch. We don’t.

“We’re having a district meeting in a few minutes. We have the new list for the house's assignments. You and Saul still get house number five.”

Thom’s eyeing me with caution as if he’s afraid I might break at any point. Pointless, obviously, because I think I broke long before he entered the tent.

“I’m gonna…” He breathes out, running a hand through his hair, a look of helplessness on his face. I look away, and bury myself again in my sleeping bag. After a few minutes of silence he gets on his knees and opens the tent, presumably to head for the district meeting.

“I’m sorry, Delly.” He finally says before heading out.

“Why?” I ask him and he freezes for a few seconds. He ends up coming back inside, closing the tent after him.

“Why are you sorry, Thom?” I sit up, pushing the sleeping bag aside with force. “Are you sorry because you have no qualms in living with me in a tent but have no intention of actually moving in with me once we have a house? Or are you sorry because your ex felt compelled to share your sexual preferences with me? Please, Thom, enlighten me.”

“Delly…”

“Or wait… is it Saul? Is that what you’re sorry about? Are you sorry because when you agreed to have him living with us in the same tent you didn't anticipate how much of a hindrance that would be? Or… or… or are you sorry…” My voice grows louder and tears are running down my face, and even though I tried to contain the first ones, I don’t really care at this point. “...are you sorry that you tied yourself to me, now that she’s back and she wants you again?”

He grabs my neck and presses his lips against mine, and I am weak enough to give in for a few seconds.

“I love you, Delly. I love…”

“DON’T! DON’T SAY THAT TO ME, not today! You had six weeks to tell me that, and you say it to me now?” I say, pulling away from him. The look of hurt on his face is enough to make me look away, and I focus on the small stack of books we have to our right. My garden book. The catalog that he uses to order stuff from the train. A romance novel that we borrowed from Peeta two weeks ago, and take turns reading it, but really haven’t gone beyond the first chapter.

He takes my hand and I let him. It’s Thom’s favorite way to show affection in public, because it’s discreet enough to go unnoticed. It has become second nature for us to hold each other's hand, but right now it feels foreign to me, as if I was holding it for the first time.

“You know, Delly, you have to know, you’re the only one I want. I don’t care that she came back. I don’t want anyone else. It’s you, it was always you, from the moment I met you. What do you want me to say? That I’m sorry that I ever got involved with her? I am, Delly, I deeply, deeply regret it. It was nothing but a waste of my time, and a source of distress to you. If I could, I would erase it all, BUT I CAN’T.”

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[periwinckles]

LETTERS FROM NEW PANEM - extra snippets

- Thom's parents and little brother died when he was 13, of pneumonia. He was taken to the community home and kept on quarentine for a month, before being mixed with the rest of the kids. He and Delly get married the day after she turns seventeen. They have a VERY active sex life. Their first daughter is born on the first day of winter but her name is Summer.

-Gale moved to District Two, and I couldnt care less what he's been up to.

-Prim and Mrs Everdeen move to District 4. By the time Katniss gets married to Peeta, Prim is finished with her nursing training, so she comes back for the wedding and she stays in Twelve for a couple of years, to get some "real life" experience before moving on with her studies.

-Reese Donner takes over his his parents sweetshop, and he provides an ample ammount of gummybears for K and P's toasting, because he knows she loves them. He barely recognizes Prim, who's nearly as tall as him and with a slight tan. He gets injured a lot after that.

- Madge and Rye live together in town. He runs a restaurant right next to the bakery and she's the kindergarten teacher. She still refuses to marry him even after being together for ten years and all the kids calling her Mrs Mellark.

[periwinckles]

Please tell me you have a middle name - chapter 3

“For the last time, Peet, you need to make a move.” 

“I’m working on it!”

Rye’s been pestering me about it ever since my eighteenth birthday, so it’s no wonder that the minute we’re alone at the bakery he brings the subject up again. 

“Correction, I’m working on it.” Reese says as he drops himself into one of the kitchen stools. “If I didn’t ask Magde to stay for the tournament you’d still be on square one.”

“I don’t think you two know what square two is…” Rye says gesturing between Reese and me “…but talking to Everdeen for two seconds ain’t it.”

Throughout the years, I kept telling myself I needed to move on from my infatuation with Katniss Everdeen, preferably before I got my soulmark. In fact I pledged to do so, every year on my birthday. It never quite stuck. Of course, fate would have it that I would wake up on April 27th with a blunt K on my left calf. Eleven days later and I still get a thrill whenever I notice the thin brown lines on my leg. What if it really is her?

“You said you'd make your move when she turned eighteen. Then make your move! Just ask her! Hey Katniss, I got a K in my leg, you don’t happen to have a P in yours? It’s not that hard. Delly asks strangers about their marks at least twice a week. “

“What if it’s not her?”

Because it can very well be another person, can’t it? What a strange and painful coincidence that would be. And I know at least five other girls whose names start with a K, and that’s just off the top of my head. What if my soulmate is five or six years younger than me? There could be dozens of K’s, if I broaden the age range. 

“ You could ask Delly to question her about her soulmark. She could say she ‘s collecting info for her database.” Reese suggests. 

Delly got her soulmark five months ago. A smudged T, on her inner forearm. Ever since then, she’s been on a quest to find him, but unfortunately for her, T is a very common name initial . She started collecting names, and writing down the respective soulmarks whenever people were willing to give her that info. She has a whole binder now, because a couple of months later she was so frustrated by not finding him yet, she started trying to match everyone else. She’s managed to match seven couples so far. No luck finding her T, though. 

“And if Everdeen does have a P?” Rye asks with annoyance. “ Is he supposed to ask Delly to date her in his place too? “

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[periwinckles]

Please tell me you have a middle name - chapter 13

Monday, May 15 

He’s wearing shorts to class, again. The nerve of him. It’s not even that hot.

Tuesday, May 16 

“Katniss, Primrose, ‘morning.” 

Peeta stops us on our way to school as he extends a hand to each of us.

“What’s this?” Prim asks, delighted. A cookie on each hand, he offers them again. Prim immediately picks up hers, round with yellow icing. Mine’s black. 

“Black is such an underrated color don’t you think?” 

In the blink of an eye, he is gone.

Wednesday, May 17

I make my way to the Hob, to handle trades, and I spot Peeta and Rye Mellark carrying wood planks, about 100 yards away from me. 

Peeta places his side of the wood planks on the ground and rolls up his pants legs up to his knees, before picking them up again. I can still hear his brother’s raucous laughter behind me.

Thursday, May 18

“I heard one of the baker’s boys has a black K on his calf.” My mother casually drops at dinner time. 

“It’s Peeta.” Prim answers, holding back a grin. “Peeta, with a P.” 

I slam the door on my way out.

Friday, May 19

I’ve only been inside the Mayor’s mansion a couple of times. I come here on a weekly basis for trades, but Madge and I never really spend much time together outside of class. Which is why I know that whatever she has to tell me is serious business, otherwise she wouldn’t have asked me to drop by after school. 

She comes to the door, ignoring the scowl that Patty, the housekeeper, is giving her. She’s not supposed to open the door, that much I know, but I suppose the anticipation of my arrival got the best of her. 

“I need to show you something.”  Madge says as soon as she shuts the door to her room. She opens the top buttons from her shirt’s collar unceremoniously and pushes it aside. The upside down R is completely black again.

I’m not sure what she expects me to say. Congratulations? Condolences? 

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[periwinckles]

HG FANCAST - Delly Cartwright (and Thom)

Eliza Taylor is the perfect Delly and I will die on this hill.

ELIZA TAYLOR as DELLY CARTWRIGHT

And truth me told, Bob Morley would make the perfect Gale, but since I don't like Gale that much, lets cast him as Thom, shall we?

BOB MORLEY as THOM (but seriously, if you just put a bow and arrow there, he's totally Gale, am I right?)

(I'm just gonna leave these two little cinnamon rolls here.)

@mega-aulover

[periwinckles]

Please tell me you have a middle name - chapter 10

“That’s Madge spot.”

Peeta sits down next to me for our History of Panem’s class and I try to hide behind a book to make myself invisible. Without success, may I add. I can hear the whispers. It was all everyone talked about during the match. Peeta Mellark has a K! Some girls even claimed to be the matching soulmate but all my hopes of going unnoticed are crushed the moment he sits down next to me.

“I switched seats with Madge. She was owing me a favor. I’m covering for Rye tonight. He was supposed to do the prep work at the bakery, but she wants him to have dinner with her parents.”

“She’s taking him to meet her parents? For their second date?” I ask before I can second guess myself. Talking to him will only add fuel to the rumors that are surely spreading by now. 

“Brilliant, right? If that doesn't scare him off for good, I don't know what will.”

Miss Smoak starts her lecture and we fall into silence. After this I’m having a serious conversation with Madge. It’s long overdue that we talk about boys right? What is she doing switching seats with him without taking into account my opinion on the matter?

“Seriously, you’re gonna wear that all day?”

He still has his wrestling uniform on, but had the decency to throw a t-shirt on top of it. Would it kill him to throw in a pair of pants as well?

“Well, I won, and the coach always says we should wear our medals loud and proud.”

“You’re not wearing your medal.” I point out, taking a quick look at his chest. Besides, everyone expected him to win, there’s not much to brag about when you’re the clear favorite, right?

“Oh, trust me, I’m wearing it.”

Read the rest on AO3

[periwinckles]

Please tell me you have a middle name- final chapter

“What exactly are we doing here?” I ask him, sitting down on the blanket he brought. “I thought you said you had to clean the ovens today.”

He gives me a bashful look, as he sets himself down as well. “I did it already. My lunch break. Peeta helped, too.”

“What did you do to convince him to do your work? Blackmail?”

He laughs heartily, throwing his head back and eventually laying sprawled on the ground. 

“Trust me, Peeta is like a golden retriever. He works better with rewards than threats.”

“What did you reward him with?” 

He keeps looking to the sky with such intensity I end up laying down next to him, to see what it is he’s so focused on.

“Nothing. Just the joy of a possible happy ending. Peeta’s a sucker for those.”

He turns his head towards me for a few seconds, before focusing on the sky once more. 

“You know what’s best about the sky?” He asks me. He doesn’t wait for my answer. “No fence.” 

I look to the blue strip ahead of us and catch a bird mid-flight out of the corner of my eye. Rye 's right. The bird is free to come and go as he pleases, no boundaries, no fences. No district twelve, just the sky. 

My mind immediately flies to my Aunt Maysilee’s mockingjay pin. I’m supposed to keep it hidden at all times. Father wanted to get rid of it; it was bad enough that a member of our family was caught in treason and executed for it. Keeping a symbol of the rebellion is just plain reckless. 

I know he saw it. When he had dinner with us at the mansion, I made him sit with me on the piano and listen to my entire Bach repertoire. The pin was placed on top of it. I always like to keep it around when I’m practicing; the pianist girl and the singing bird. I ended up leaving it there, forgotten, only noticing when we sat down.

“Do you talk about birds often?”

I turn to him alarmed. What are you doing, Rye? Our arguing on the butcher’s bench was dangerous enough, and we did nothing but talk about transportation policies. 

“Not much.” I tell him. “Not everyone likes to talk about birds.”

“I’m willing to listen, if you ever want to talk.” He turns his face sideways again, a grave look on his face, his eyes as blue as the sky above us. 

“We should be cleaning ovens, not talking about birds.”  I tell him, averting my gaze.

“Well it’s a good thing that you’re my favorite person to do both things with.”

I eye him carefully once more. It came as a surprise how passionate he was about district policies and the possibility of freedom of circulation for Panem citizens. Not what one would guess would be on a simple baker’s mind. 

“Are you serious?” I ask him.

“About what?” He says, turning his face towards me again. “Talking about birds or you being my favorite person?”  

His eyes soften this time, with just the hint of a smile. There’s no denying it, he’s the handsomest man I have ever seen. No wonder I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him. 

“Both.” I say, as I keep watching him. His hair is short, and I briefly consider if it would curl too if he grew it longer. 

“Yes. Double yes.”

He points to the sky again. There are now two birds flying together, in synchrony. 

“Every bird needs a partner. Particularly if she has her mind set on a big adventure.” 

My heart stammers in my chest wildly. Surely he doesn’t mean what I think he means. How could he know? Nobody knows besides me and Haymitch. 

"Let 's eat. Are you hungry?” Immediately he changes the subject and starts taking things from the basket he brought. “I’ve got lemon iced tea, if you’re thirsty.” He says picking up a bottle and  two glasses. 

“Yes, please.” 

He pours a glass for me, careful enough not to spill anything on the blanket. 

“I also have something else for you.”

“It better not be cake, because if I keep up at this rate, I’ll gain at least…”

I stop mid sentence when I notice the small container of strawberries. 

“Where did you get this?” I ask him, but I know they must have come from the woods. The general store never has strawberries for sale, and the bakery only uses frozen berries, never fresh, as they are too expensive.

“Much to my displeasure I tracked Hawthorne down this morning and asked him to sell me some.” 

He shouldn’t have. This must have cost him a fortune. Surely a couple of days of work. I’m about to tell him so, but my mind goes in another direction. 

“You spoke with Gale?” 

“Hated every second of it, too.”

It’s no secret Rye and Gale dislike each other immensely. Their rivalry is legendary, with Gale even giving up Wrestling all entirely when he lost a match to Rye in seventh grade.

“Why did you?” I ask him in utter confusion. 

“Because I like you more than I hate him.” 

He bites his lip and my mind is immediately thrown to that last kiss we shared on my doorstep. Up until then I thought those kisses meant nothing for him. Just a thrill. 

“You spoke with Gale?” I ask again.

“Yes, and please keep it down. No need to broadcast it.” 

“You asked him a favor?”

“I did. And now I have to live with it, so those strawberries better be good, and you better eat them all.” 

I hug him, burying my laugh against his neck. It takes him a few seconds to catch up but once he does, his arms encircle me with such steadfastness I have a hard time letting go. 

“I want this.” 

I finally tell him, just a whisper in his ear. He responds with a joyful laugh, and next thing I know he’s kissing me.

“Me too. My soulmark is black again.” He says at once, his lips still grazing mine. 

“Mine too.” 

He laughs again, and scatters small pecks on my lips, on my face, hundreds of them.

“Seriously?” He asks “all that talk about birds, and the strawberries did the trick?” 

I hug him again, basking in the sweet scent that surrounds him. My baker. My soulmate. My mockingjay in disguise. 

“Shut up, Rye.” 

THE END!

(who am I kidding I still have an epilogue left. Plus I wanted to keep it open in case I ever want to go back to this universe and write the whole rebellion storyline which would be Rye/Madge centric).

big thanks to everyone that kept up with this story. Thank you for each kudos, each comment, reblogg (your tags kill me everytime 😅) your theories about what was going to happen. Thanks for voting for what you wanted to see in the coming chapters that’s was so fun and interactive!

Stay tuned for my district thirteen story! Be well, be kind!

(you better still go and write a comment on ao3 even though I posted the whole chapter here, because you know writers get paid in reviews right?!

[periwinckles]

Please tell me you have a middle name - chapter 14

Saturday May 20

“You’re aware your soulmark is black again, right?” 

Rye looks at me with annoyance, through half closed eyelids. He never handled early mornings very well, so approaching the subject before 7 a.m. wasn’t my smartest move.

He works his batch of sourdough bread in silence as I start decorating the cakes. Weekends are when we usually have the biggest outflux for them, which makes Saturday mornings my favorite time to work. On top of that, I’m working on Reese’s birthday cake. Today he’s turning eighteen. Just a simple butter cake, with plain vanilla frosting. I wished I could do something more elaborate for him but, as my mother would put it, “affection doesn’t pay the bills”. I need to stick to the order his parents made, a cake they can actually afford. 

Ah, the hell with it.

I take some shredded almonds and add them under the frosting. Rye huffs in disapprovement, but remains silent. It’s not noticeable in plain sight, and Reese’ll have a nice surprise when he bites into it. 

“It’s been like this for two days now.” Rye finally admits. “ Ever since our last date.” 

“You mean the one where you brought her here and made her do all the prepping 

work with you?” 

“Free labor, can you blame me?” 

Yes Rye, I can blame you in oh so many ways. 

“You should just embrace it, Rye. The heart wants what the heart wants.”

“I - don’t - want - it!” He exclaims louder than he should, carefully enunciating every word. The last thing we need is for Mom to come down because we’re being too loud.

“Why-is-it-black-then?” I throw back at him, keeping my tone a lot quieter.

What sort of epidemic is this? Why is everyone trying to reject their soulmarks? I’m blaming Rye and Madge for putting these rebellious ideas in Katniss’ head. I lift my pants leg a few inches, just in case. Yep, still black.

“I don’t know!” 

He’s quick in his answer but his eyes hesitate and give him away. 

“You guys made out again, didn’t you?” 

“No!”

“Rye…”

“No making out whatsoever happened in this bakery. This is sacred ground. It didn’t happen, you have my word.” 

I pause with my piping bag mid air, as I wait for his gaze to meet mine. 

“Well, it depends on what your standard for making out is, I suppose.” 

“For crying out loud, Rye!” 

“It was just a couple of smooches. Ok, four, tops. But no tongues, so it doesn’t count right? Except…”

“Except…?”

“When I left her on her doorstep, we sort of… …yeah, we had that whole tongues battling for dominance thing going on, but it was under two minutes, cross my heart!” 

“…plus you weren’t on sacred ground!” I point out, my tone laced with sarcasm.

“Exactly!” 

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